Frequently Asked Questions

No. We do not offer an MSc.

Please check our ‘How to apply page for detailed instructions on how to apply to our funded PhD programme. All applications are online. If you have missed our deadline for this year, you might still be able to do a PhD at the Dunn School via these alternative routes.

We encourage all students to contact a potential supervisor(s) whose research interests them, prior to submitting an application.  Details of available projects and supervisors for this year’s applications to our PhD programme can be found on this page from October. If you have missed our application deadline, do check this page to find out more about other routes to do a PhD with us.

All applicants awarded a funded place through our PhD programme have their university and college fees covered, and will also receive a generous living stipend and lab expenses (see About our Course for more details). If you have missed our deadline, please check this page to find out more about other routes to do a PhD with us.

We require three academic references.

References must be submitted by the application deadline. As applications take place online, the university will contact your referees directly. Nevertheless, you should contact your referees to tell them to expect a request for a reference and to advise them of the deadline. This is particularly important if you submit your application within a few days of the deadline.

The minimum academic requirement is a Bachelor’s degree in a relevant subject with upper second class honours (2.1/GPA 3.5) or equivalent.

If English is not your first language, or you are not from a majority English-speaking country recognised by UK Visas and Immigration (these include UK, Ireland, USA, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand), you will be required to supply test certificates stating that your proficiency in English achieves a minimum score. Full details of the test certificates accepted and the score level required can be found in the University’s Application Guide. We require you to meet the standard level score. While you do not need to have met this requirement in order to submit an application, you will be required to meet it prior to admission. Candidates for whom English is not their first language, but who are fluent in English, can apply for exemption from this requirement. Exemption may be given if the candidate has been educated at an English-medium University for at least three years and shows clear evidence of fluency at interview and in written work.

Yes. Applicants are highly unlikely to be successful unless they have relevant research experience and a reference from the person who supervised them.

We are unable to send an offer letter until we have received your formal application. Find out more about other ways to do a PhD at the Dunn School here.

No. All our students are initially full time and resident in Oxford, for at least two years. Students have the option of switching to part-time if, for example, they acquire new caring/parental responsibilities.

The minimum time for a PhD is two years. Most students (>90%) submit their thesis within four years.

Details of available projects and supervisors for this year’s funded PhD programme can be found on this page.

All applicants are initially screened and ranked by a panel of assessors and the most highly ranked applicants will be invited for interview. Offers will only be made following interview.

Yes. Students are entitled to do up to two week of internships during their training to explore career options. Longer internships are possible if supported by your supervisor. The University’s Careers Service advertises many opportunities and supports applications.

We are committed to helping our students balance the demands of pregnancy or adoption with their study commitments. We provide benefits and support equivalent to support provided to staff. This includes the following:

• 26 weeks’ maternity leave on a full stipend*
• 13 weeks further leave at the rate of statutory maternity pay*.
• 13 further weeks of unpaid leave.
• The option of returning as a part-time student, subject to the needs of the student’s research project (50%).

Further information and advice, including full details of University policy on parental leave can be found University’s student parent webpage.

*To qualify for paid leave there needs to be an intention to return and complete your PhD. Students who do not return may be required to pay back the funds received during their leave period.

Oxford is a collegiate University so, as a student, you will be both a member of a department, where you conduct your studies, and a college. The college provides you with the opportunity to interact with other postgraduate students, undergraduates, and experienced academics across all subjects taught at the University. To become a university student, you have to be admitted by both a department and a college. The application form includes an opportunity for you to express a preference for a College, although some sources of funding to our PhD programme may require you to join a particular college, because the college is contributing to the funding (we will let you know if that is the case). We encourage students to make a college choice when they apply for our PhD programme.  We have a strong association with Lincoln and Reuben Colleges, although you may choose any college you wish. If you are applying outside our funded PhD programme (see this page for more details) please contact us first so that we can help you find a college that still has places available.

We do not send out hard copies of the prospectus. All the information about our PhD programme and how to apply can be found here on our website.